A CHARITY dedicated to helping blind and partially-sighted people has been given £4,000 by the Durham Area Action Partnership (AAP).

Blind Life in Durham was one of the 11 organisations that won funding in the AAP’s Community Chest event at County Hall, at which residents voted for the causes they thought should get support.

The money will go to a project called Keeping Active, which will entail volunteers telling the blind and partially-sighted about events taking place in the area.

Chairwoman of the AAP’s VCS group, Councillor Anne Bonner, said: “I’m delighted for Blind Life in Durham and the support shown for their cause at our event.

“This project will provide means for supporting visually impaired to live more active fulfilled lives, giving them the confidence and ability to both benefit more fully from places and events in the local community and to participate more fully in the life of the community.”

Coun Bonner said: “Being blind doesn’t have to be a barrier to getting out and enjoying yourself and we're glad to support.”